What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post Doctoral Research Associate position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number:
G/R33097P
Working Title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department:
Franklin-Plant Biology
About The University Of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department:
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40 units.
College/Unit/Department Website:
https://www.plantbio.uga.edu/
Employment Type:
Employee
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with experience
Anticipated Start Date:
06/01/2026
Posting Date:
05/11/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants:
Positions are available on a rolling basis and will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit a CV and a brief cover letter describing their research background and the projects they are most interested in pursuing.
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EOO Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Designs and conducts independent and collaborative research in molecular plant biology and genetics, including experimental planning, molecular assays, and data analysis. Mentors graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design and lab techniques. Maintains accurate research records and ensures compliance with institutional safety and regulatory standards.
Percentage Of Time:
90
Duties/Responsibilities:
Prepares manuscripts, presentations, and grant contributions. Engages with the broader scientific community through seminars, conferences, and collaborative initiatives.
Percentage Of Time:
10
Classification Title:
Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.0
Position Summary:
The Nelms Laboratory at the University of Georgia invites applications for one or more postdoctoral positions. We use single-cell genomics, high-throughput cell-based screening, and quantitative sequencing approaches to study gene regulation and cell fate in plants, with connections to evolutionary genetics and plant biotechnology.
Current openings are in two areas:Cell fate reprogramming. We are developing high-throughput assays to identify transcription factors that can redirect plant cell fate in culture, with long-term goals including inducing meiosis and pollen formation from somatic cells and expanding regeneration capacity across grass species. Candidates with experience in plant tissue culture, transformation, or cell-based screening are particularly encouraged to apply.
Gene regulation and genomics in the haploid phase. We study how gene expression is regulated during pollen development, including the mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of haploid genome activation and the use of haploid pollen as a platform for pooled genetic screens. Candidates with experience in single-cell genomics, plant genetics, or bioinformatics are particularly encouraged to apply.
We are looking for motivated scientists with a strong background in plant biology, genomics, or a related field. There is genuine flexibility to develop independent research directions suited to the individual’s interests and long-term goals, and we actively support postdocs in building toward a faculty position or other independent career path.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position:
PhD required
Is this a Position of Trust?:
No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a requirement of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):
No
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Dr. Brad Nelms
Recruitment Contact Email:
nelms@uga.edu
G/R33097P
Working Title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department:
Franklin-Plant Biology
About The University Of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department:
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia’s learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in more than 80-degree programs across 40 units.
College/Unit/Department Website:
https://www.plantbio.uga.edu/
Employment Type:
Employee
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with experience
Anticipated Start Date:
06/01/2026
Posting Date:
05/11/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants:
Positions are available on a rolling basis and will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit a CV and a brief cover letter describing their research background and the projects they are most interested in pursuing.
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EOO Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Designs and conducts independent and collaborative research in molecular plant biology and genetics, including experimental planning, molecular assays, and data analysis. Mentors graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design and lab techniques. Maintains accurate research records and ensures compliance with institutional safety and regulatory standards.
Percentage Of Time:
90
Duties/Responsibilities:
Prepares manuscripts, presentations, and grant contributions. Engages with the broader scientific community through seminars, conferences, and collaborative initiatives.
Percentage Of Time:
10
Classification Title:
Post-Doctoral Associate AD
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.0
Position Summary:
The Nelms Laboratory at the University of Georgia invites applications for one or more postdoctoral positions. We use single-cell genomics, high-throughput cell-based screening, and quantitative sequencing approaches to study gene regulation and cell fate in plants, with connections to evolutionary genetics and plant biotechnology.
Current openings are in two areas:Cell fate reprogramming. We are developing high-throughput assays to identify transcription factors that can redirect plant cell fate in culture, with long-term goals including inducing meiosis and pollen formation from somatic cells and expanding regeneration capacity across grass species. Candidates with experience in plant tissue culture, transformation, or cell-based screening are particularly encouraged to apply.
Gene regulation and genomics in the haploid phase. We study how gene expression is regulated during pollen development, including the mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of haploid genome activation and the use of haploid pollen as a platform for pooled genetic screens. Candidates with experience in single-cell genomics, plant genetics, or bioinformatics are particularly encouraged to apply.
We are looking for motivated scientists with a strong background in plant biology, genomics, or a related field. There is genuine flexibility to develop independent research directions suited to the individual’s interests and long-term goals, and we actively support postdocs in building toward a faculty position or other independent career path.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position:
PhD required
Is this a Position of Trust?:
No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a requirement of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):
No
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Dr. Brad Nelms
Recruitment Contact Email:
nelms@uga.edu